The Wanderers NPL Women’s side have defeated APIA Leichhardt at Lambert Park in a famous 1-0 victory as super-sub Olivia Vanderlaan proves to be the difference in a tightly contested clash.
The Western Sydney Wanderers came into this game without the services of Anika Stajcic, Talia Kapetenellis and Gemma Ferris as the young team saw off APIA Leichhardt in a monumental win that sees the Red & Black go to back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
The Leichhardt side came into this game sitting atop the NPL NSW Women’s table, but that meant little, as the Wanderers turned what looked to be a backs against the wall performance in the opening half an hour, to arguably their best attacking performance of the season.
APIA started the game on the front foot, with Gisella Pipino orchestrating the attack from midfield.
The Leichhardt side played their way into 25 minutes of attacking pressure but unfortunately the defensive partnership of Maya Lobo and Chelsea Barton forced them wide and long, resorting to shots from distance by Pipino and former Wanderer Mel Caeceres.
It would be Amelia Cassar who had the best chance of the half, as her one on one chance would be saved by the APIA Goalkeeper Sophie Magus.
The Wanderers’ attitude would change as the second half began, coming out with a much more attacking mindset. Miriam Zumaya danced her way through the defence early in the second half, only for the shot to go wayward of goal.
The game would be in the balance until the 72nd minute, as the introduction of Vanderlaan proved to be pivotal, getting on the end of an Amy Barker cross to beat the keeper at the far post.
This isn’t the first time the young attacker has come on and changed the outlook of the side, as her form continues to help plead her case for a spot in the highly contested starting XI.
The Red & Black produced their most composed final twenty minutes of the season, controlling possession, pressing off the ball, and keeping the opposition out of the attacking third.
Aimee Hall pulled off a crucial save from a Leichhardt corner to preserve the lead and secure the Wanderers’ third win of the season. The result lifts them to sixth on the ladder, just two points behind first-placed Manly United. Attention now turns to next Sunday’s clash with UNSW, as the team looks to build on this momentum.
